Sunderland made 12 signings in the summer, providing excellent competition for places.
Sunderland had been excellent prior to their recent League One loss at Burton Albion and questions have started to be asked of specific players.
The Black Cats made 12 signings across the summer transfer window, which has given Jack Ross’s side excellent strength in depth this term.
And in an interview with the Shields Gazzette, 42-year-old Ross admitted all of his squad now realise that they have to earn a spot in the first-team and won’t simply be given it.
When speaking about the depth of Sunderland’s squad, Ross said: “We’re getting closer to the point where players have a real understanding that they have to play well to keep their place in the team.
“I don’t like using it as fear for motivating players to do well but I think they can see it themselves, they’re not silly. They can see that the depth is there.”
The third tier outfit will once again be without the injured Charlie Wyke, but elsewhere Sunderland have competition in every position on the pitch.
Ross’s side face another tough task against Rochdale this weekend, a game they’ll hope to win, but it will be important for the former St Mirren manager to change things up in the poor performing side that lost at the Pirelli Stadium.
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